A Physiologic Comparison of Two Approaches to Treating Peripheral Neuropathy

Description

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common and costly microvascular complications of diabetes impacting more than 50% of patients and costing more than 10.1 billion dollars annually. Intraneural Facilitation Therapy (INF® Therapy) is a non-invasive technique that has shown to improve balance and pain in patients with Type 2 Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (T2DPN); however, the underlying physiological mechanisms need further understanding. The purpose of this study is to investigate the physiological mechanisms behind two approaches to treating T2DPN, INF® Therapy and standard physical therapy. Eligible subjects presenting with diabetic neuropathy symptoms will be recruited and referred to the Loma Linda University Health's Neuropathic Therapy Center. Forty patients will be evenly randomized into two groups: an INF® Therapy Treatment group and standard physical therapy treatment group. Subjects will participate in 11 study visits over a period of 6 weeks. Non-invasive assessments will measure neuropathy pain, heart rate variability, neuropathy severity, blood oxygen levels, and blood flow under the skin. Lab draws will measure inflammation levels in the blood and how well blood sugar levels have been maintained over a period of about 3 months. Descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA will be used to analyze data and answer the research questions. The findings of this study will provide a better understanding of how INF® Therapy and standard physical therapy work, subsequently improving non-invasive treatment methods for T2DPN patients.

Conditions

Peripheral Neuropathy With Type 2 Diabetes

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common and costly microvascular complications of diabetes impacting more than 50% of patients and costing more than 10.1 billion dollars annually. Intraneural Facilitation Therapy (INF® Therapy) is a non-invasive technique that has shown to improve balance and pain in patients with Type 2 Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (T2DPN); however, the underlying physiological mechanisms need further understanding. The purpose of this study is to investigate the physiological mechanisms behind two approaches to treating T2DPN, INF® Therapy and standard physical therapy. Eligible subjects presenting with diabetic neuropathy symptoms will be recruited and referred to the Loma Linda University Health's Neuropathic Therapy Center. Forty patients will be evenly randomized into two groups: an INF® Therapy Treatment group and standard physical therapy treatment group. Subjects will participate in 11 study visits over a period of 6 weeks. Non-invasive assessments will measure neuropathy pain, heart rate variability, neuropathy severity, blood oxygen levels, and blood flow under the skin. Lab draws will measure inflammation levels in the blood and how well blood sugar levels have been maintained over a period of about 3 months. Descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA will be used to analyze data and answer the research questions. The findings of this study will provide a better understanding of how INF® Therapy and standard physical therapy work, subsequently improving non-invasive treatment methods for T2DPN patients.

A Physiologic Comparison of Two Approaches to Treating Peripheral Neuropathy

A Physiologic Comparison of Two Approaches to Treating Peripheral Neuropathy

Condition
Peripheral Neuropathy With Type 2 Diabetes
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Loma Linda

Loma Linda University Health Neuropathic Therapy Center, Loma Linda, California, United States, 92350

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Between the ages of 45 and 85
  • * Moderate to severe type II diabetic neuropathy with one or more symptoms including: numbness, tingling, burning, sharp pain, and/or increased sensitivity.
  • * Diagnosis confirmed by a physician.
  • * Cellphone access with Android 5.0 and up or iOS 14.0 or later.
  • * Chemotherapy
  • * Radiation
  • * Lower extremity amputations
  • * Open wounds
  • * Documented active drug and or alcohol misuse
  • * Chronic liver disease
  • * Active inflammations
  • * Other types of neuropathies not associated with diabetes including B12 deficiency and Charcot Marie Tooth
  • * Morbid obesity
  • * Pregnancy.
  • * Taking beta blockers
  • * Unable to maintain steady fingers or operate a cellphone
  • * Smoking or ingesting marijuana
  • * Having a pacemaker
  • * Allergies to cobalt, chrome, or nickel

Ages Eligible for Study

45 Years to 85 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Loma Linda University,

Mark Bussell, DPT, OCS, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Loma Linda University Health

Study Record Dates

2024-12